According to Greek myth, Apollo chased the nymph Daphne, daughter either of Peneus and Creusa, or of Ladon. His infatuation was caused by an arrow from Eros, who wanted to make Apollo pay for making fun of his archery skills. Eros also claimed to be irritated by Apollo's singing. Daphne prayed to the river god Peneus to help her and he transformed her into a laurel (Laurus nobilis), which became sacred to Apollo.
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